Hunter Greene made himself a decent chunk of money on Wednesday night when the Cy Young Award was announced. While Greene did not win the award – and no one expected him to do so after he missed more than a month near the end of the season – he did finish 8th in the voting. Greene got one vote for third place (David Brandt of The Associated Press) and one vote for fourth place (Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic). Those two votes earned Greene an extra million bucks.
When Hunter Greene signed his contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds back in April of 2023 there were multiple bonuses involved if he were to win things like the Cy Young, MVP, Gold Glove. But there was also bonuses involved for where he finished in both MVP and Cy Young voting. A 6th-10th place finish in the Cy Young voting, which is what happened for the 2024 season, Greene gets an additional $500,000 added to his salary for both 2028 and 2029. If you toss in that he also got a $200,000 bonus for making the All-Star team this year, Greene had himself a productive year for his bank account.
As for the Cy Young Award itself, in the National League it was a 2-man race as Chris Sale and Zach Wheeler combined for 59 of the 60 votes handed out for 1st and 2nd place. Paul Skenes was voted 2nd on one ballot. Still, even among those two guys it was Sale who ran away with is as he had 26 of the 30 1st place votes, with Wheeler grabbing four of them.
If you want to see how the voting broke down and who voted for who, the Baseball Writers Association of America has the votes available to see right here. From the Cincinnati chapter, it was Mark Sheldon and Charlie Goldsmith who had the Cy Young votes this year.
The Cincinnati Reds owe a significant amount of money to their star pitcher, Hunter Greene, following his impressive showing in the National League Cy Young voting. The young right-hander, who has become a cornerstone of the Reds’ pitching staff, secured a major financial incentive tied to his performance in the prestigious voting for the league’s top pitcher award. After his strong performance throughout the 2024 season, Greene’s ranking in the Cy Young race has resulted in a $1,000,000 payout, thanks to a performance-based clause in his contract. This payment highlights not only Greene’s individual achievement but also his value to the Reds as they continue to build a competitive roster.
Greene’s Stellar 2024 Season
Hunter Greene, 24, entered the 2024 season with high expectations after a promising but injury-plagued start to his Major League Baseball career. The Reds, looking to turn the corner with their rebuilding efforts, placed significant faith in Greene to be the ace of their pitching staff. Despite facing some early-season challenges, Greene ultimately delivered a performance that far exceeded expectations.
Greene finished the regular season with a remarkable 3.02 ERA and 225 strikeouts, establishing himself as one of the premier pitchers in the National League. He pitched deep into games, showing exceptional endurance, and was a consistent presence for the Reds in a year where their pitching staff needed leadership. His fastball, routinely clocked at over 100 mph, paired with his devastating slider, allowed him to dominate opposing lineups. Additionally, Greene showed poise and maturity, qualities that are often difficult to find in a pitcher so early in his career.
Though Greene did not win the Cy Young Award in 2024, finishing in the top five of the voting was an impressive accomplishment, especially considering the level of competition from other standout pitchers in the National League. His performance throughout the season garnered the attention of both fans and analysts, and the recognition he received in the Cy Young race was a clear indication of his growth as an elite pitcher.
Contract Incentives and $1,000,000 Payout
The $1,000,000 Greene is set to receive stems from a clause in his contract that rewards performance in major awards voting. This clause, which is common in the contracts of young, promising players, incentivizes excellence and provides an additional motivator for players to push themselves to reach their highest potential. The specific clause in Greene’s contract was tied to his placement in the Cy Young voting, with a certain amount being triggered for a top-five finish.
Greene’s $1,000,000 bonus is a reflection of both the Reds’ faith in his ability and the impressive strides he made as a pitcher in 2024. For the team, this payout is a small price to pay for securing a player with such immense upside. In turn, for Greene, this payout serves as a reward for his excellent season and recognition of his hard work, reinforcing his standing as one of the rising stars in the game.
In a time when contract negotiations can often be contentious or dominated by financial concerns, Greene’s incentive-based payout demonstrates the growing trend of teams rewarding young talent based on performance metrics. This clause is not just about money—it’s a reflection of the value placed on consistency and excellence in the game.
Impact on the Reds and Greene’s Future
The $1,000,000 payment is not just a financial detail; it has significant implications for both Greene and the Cincinnati Reds as an organization. For Greene, this bonus boosts his earnings in a year when he has already made an impression on the league. It also signals the level of faith the organization has in him as they look to build around their young stars. The Reds have long been in a rebuilding phase, but with players like Greene emerging as frontline pitchers, the team is well-positioned to become competitive once again.
The Reds’ decision to include such a performance-based incentive in Greene’s contract also sets a precedent for how the team will treat its young stars moving forward. Given that Greene is just entering his prime and still under team control for a few more years, his performance will likely continue to impact the team’s payroll and future contract negotiations. This kind of incentive clause will serve as a model for how the team handles other young players in the future, ensuring that performance is rewarded as they develop their talent.
For Greene, the $1,000,000 bonus represents more than just financial compensation. It affirms his place among the league’s elite pitchers and serves as validation for all the hard work he has put into refining his craft. The recognition in the Cy Young voting is a significant achievement in his career and one that will provide him with the motivation to continue improving. Greene, who has the potential to be a perennial Cy Young candidate, will likely use this experience to further fuel his growth as one of baseball’s brightest young pitchers.
What’s Next for Hunter Greene?
Looking ahead, Greene’s strong performance in the 2024 season and his impressive Cy Young voting result set the stage for even greater things to come. While he may not have won the prestigious award this year, his consistent dominance on the mound has solidified his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the National League. The Reds will continue to rely on Greene to lead their pitching staff as they push for playoff contention in the coming years.
Moreover, the $1,000,000 payment is just the beginning of what could be a lucrative career for Greene. With his young age and potential for growth, Greene could become one of the most sought-after pitchers in the league over the next decade. His performance in 2024 will only strengthen his case for future Cy Young considerations, and he will likely be one of the cornerstones of the Reds’ rotation for years to come.
Additionally, Greene’s performance has not only boosted his financial standing but has also raised his profile among fans and media, which could lead to increased endorsement opportunities. As he continues to develop into one of baseball’s premier pitchers, his marketability will only grow, and the Reds will likely look to lock him up for the long term with a new contract that reflects his value to the team.
Conclusion
Hunter Greene’s $1,000,000 bonus, stemming from his performance in the Cy Young voting, is a testament to both his individual achievement and the continued growth of the Cincinnati Reds as an organization. Greene’s impressive 2024 season has positioned him as one of the most exciting pitchers in Major League Baseball, and the recognition he received in the Cy Young race reinforces his status as a future star. For the Reds, the payout is a small but significant investment in their future, reflecting their commitment to building around young talent. As Greene’s career continues to flourish, both he and the Reds can look forward to even greater success in the years to come.
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